Meet the Study Abroad Staff

Bio:

Bri is originally from Florida and spent six years in New Orleans earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Arts degrees at Tulane University. She has traveled to over 20 countries on 5 continents, including a year of living abroad in South Korea. While living overseas, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students and wrote articles for several Korean magazines. In her spare time she loves to read, write, and play with her dog, Cheese.

Quote:

“I am thrilled to be here at USA to help students explore other countries and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or thinking about going abroad for the first time, we can help you find a program that will meet your needs and change your life. I am eager to meet you when you are ready to start thinking about studying abroad – it’s never too early. Go Jags!”

Favorite destination:

Mongolia, Italy

Next on her list:

Namibia, Egypt, Thailand

Bio:

Bri is originally from Florida and spent six years in New Orleans earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Arts degrees at Tulane University. She has traveled to over 20 countries on 5 continents, including a year of living abroad in South Korea. While living overseas, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students and wrote articles for several Korean magazines. In her spare time she loves to read, write, and play with her dog, Cheese.

Quote:

“I am thrilled to be here at USA to help students explore other countries and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or thinking about going abroad for the first time, we can help you find a program that will meet your needs and change your life. I am eager to meet you when you are ready to start thinking about studying abroad – it’s never too early. Go Jags!”

Favorite destination:

Mongolia, Italy

Next on her list:

Namibia, Egypt, Thailand 

Bio:

Shawn is originally from South Carolina but grew up in the California Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Master of Arts from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Shawn has traveled to over 15 countries on three continents, including seven years of living between Ghana and Togo, West Africa. While living in West Africa she led customized faculty-led groups, global internship and service-learning programs. Some of her travel studies include French summer sessions in Paris, a conflict resolution fellowship in Tanzania/Kenya and a United Nations graduate-level internship in Geneva.  She enjoys exploring new places; especially scenic beach spots in her free time.

Quote:

“The only person I envy is the person who hasn’t traveled or studied abroad; you have so much to look forward to! I truly believe everyone deserves and needs a global perspective.  I know sometimes going abroad is easier said than done. But, as my mentor Marie Forleo says, ‘everything is figureoutable’.  I’m so excited to be in a role where I get to help students figure out a path to achieve their dreams”.

Favorite destination:

Portbou, Spain

Next on her list:

Thailand, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands

Bio:

Shawn is originally from South Carolina but grew up in the California Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Master of Arts from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Shawn has traveled to over 15 countries on three continents, including seven years of living between Ghana and Togo, West Africa. While living in West Africa she led customized faculty-led groups, global internship and service-learning programs. Some of her travel studies include French summer sessions in Paris, a conflict resolution fellowship in Tanzania/Kenya and a United Nations graduate-level internship in Geneva.  She enjoys exploring new places; especially scenic beach spots in her free time.

Quote:

“The only person I envy is the person who hasn’t traveled or studied abroad; you have so much to look forward to! I truly believe everyone deserves and needs a global perspective.  I know sometimes going abroad is easier said than done. But, as my mentor Marie Forleo says, ‘everything is figureoutable’.  I’m so excited to be in a role where I get to help students figure out a path to achieve their dreams”.

Favorite destination:

Portbou, Spain

Next on her list:

Thailand, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Natasha is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved to Mobile in 2015 to pursue her bachelor’s degree at USA. She graduated in 2018 with a major in Political Science and two minors in Criminal Justice and International Studies. Natasha studied abroad twice during her undergraduate career, visiting a total of four countries: Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine. Upon return, Natasha interned for OIE as an International Education Ambassador. She was able to share her story with her peers through this internship and developed a passion for international education. She is now our IEP International Education Programs Advisor! In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, thrift shopping and watching Parks and Rec.

Quote:

“My grandma always told me to make a plan and work the plan. This piece of advice and OIE’s supportive staff were the key ingredients to achieving my study abroad dreams. Now I am able to extend the same opportunity to my fellow Jags at USA! I look forward to helping you develop a roadmap to your international goals. Say no to self-doubt and yes to your next adventure!”

Favorite destination:

Kiev, Ukraine and the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica

Next on her list:

​India, Japan and Germany

Bio:

Natasha is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved to Mobile in 2015 to pursue her bachelor’s degree at USA. She graduated in 2018 with a major in Political Science and two minors in Criminal Justice and International Studies. Natasha studied abroad twice during her undergraduate career, visiting a total of four countries: Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine. Upon return, Natasha interned for OIE as an International Education Ambassador. She was able to share her story with her peers through this internship and developed a passion for international education. She is now our IEP International Education Programs Advisor! In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, thrift shopping and watching Parks and Rec.

Quote:

“My grandma always told me to make a plan and work the plan. This piece of advice and OIE’s supportive staff were the key ingredients to achieving my study abroad dreams. Now I am able to extend the same opportunity to my fellow Jags at USA! I look forward to helping you develop a roadmap to your international goals. Say no to self-doubt and yes to your next adventure!”

Favorite destination:

Kiev, Ukraine and the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica

Next on her list:

​India, Japan and Germany

Bio:

Cammie is currently a graduate student studying to get her clinical doctorate in Audiology. She is from Tallahassee, FL where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science & Disorders from Florida State University. She is an advisor for students and loves answering questions and helping them choose study abroad destinations! She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and being outdoors.

Quote:

Studying abroad helped me understand how other clinicians practice in a different country. I gained independence and confidence while learning how to navigate a big city like London by myself. Being there for four weeks allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and try a melting pot of different types of food. I now appreciate the history behind all the old beautiful buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Favorite destination:

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Next on her list:

New Zealand

Bio:

Cammie is currently a graduate student studying to get her clinical doctorate in Audiology. She is from Tallahassee, FL where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science & Disorders from Florida State University. She is an advisor for students and loves answering questions and helping them choose study abroad destinations! She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and being outdoors.

Quote:

Studying abroad helped me understand how other clinicians practice in a different country. I gained independence and confidence while learning how to navigate a big city like London by myself. Being there for four weeks allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and try a melting pot of different types of food. I now appreciate the history behind all the old beautiful buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Favorite destination:

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Next on her list:

New Zealand

Major:

Business Administration with a Marketing Concentration

Program:

British Studies Program in London, England; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Studying abroad in London for a month was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I made so many memories, but none of them would mean nearly as much to me if they didn’t involve the amazing friends I made. I found myself in a foreign country with a group of people I had never met before, but we all bonded so quickly and got the opportunity to learn and grow together while experiencing so many new and unique adventures. I genuinely feel like I made friendships that will last me a lifetime and are a huge part of what made my trip so memorable! It was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I made so many memories, but none of them would mean nearly as much to me if they didn’t involve the amazing friends I made. I found myself in a foreign country with a group of people I had never met before, but we all bonded so quickly and got the opportunity to learn and grow together while experiencing so many new and unique adventures. I genuinely feel like I made friendships that will last me a lifetime and are a huge part of what made my trip so memorable!

Major:

Business Administration with a Marketing Concentration

Program:

British Studies Program in London, England; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Studying abroad in London for a month was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I made so many memories, but none of them would mean nearly as much to me if they didn’t involve the amazing friends I made. I found myself in a foreign country with a group of people I had never met before, but we all bonded so quickly and got the opportunity to learn and grow together while experiencing so many new and unique adventures. I genuinely feel like I made friendships that will last me a lifetime and are a huge part of what made my trip so memorable! It was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I made so many memories, but none of them would mean nearly as much to me if they didn’t involve the amazing friends I made. I found myself in a foreign country with a group of people I had never met before, but we all bonded so quickly and got the opportunity to learn and grow together while experiencing so many new and unique adventures. I genuinely feel like I made friendships that will last me a lifetime and are a huge part of what made my trip so memorable!

Major:

International Relations

Program:

Ewha Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea; Academic Year 2017-2018

Most Memorable Experience:

The most memorable experience I had while abroad were the evening walks I would take on campus. Ewha is a very hilly school and at the top of one hill there is a perfect view of Seoul. At night the city would light up and right in the center I could see Seoul Tower. It was one of the most unforgettable sights I've ever seen and kept me walking up there almost every night just to look it.

Major:

International Relations

Program:

Ewha Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea; Academic Year 2017-2018

Most Memorable Experience:

The most memorable experience I had while abroad were the evening walks I would take on campus. Ewha is a very hilly school and at the top of one hill there is a perfect view of Seoul. At night the city would light up and right in the center I could see Seoul Tower. It was one of the most unforgettable sights I've ever seen and kept me walking up there almost every night just to look it.

Major:

International Studies

Program:

CISabroad in Kyoto, Japan, Academic Year 2017

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable moment would have to be the people I became friends with. I have always struggled with self-confidence and weight issues, but I was able to surround myself with people who didn't judge me based off of my appearance. I began to love myself for who I am, rather than what I thought others had perceived me as. I finally realized that appearances aren't what solely make a person for who they are. My time abroad, definitely raised my self-love and confidence

Major:

International Studies

Program:

CISabroad in Kyoto, Japan, Academic Year 2017

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable moment would have to be the people I became friends with. I have always struggled with self-confidence and weight issues, but I was able to surround myself with people who didn't judge me based off of my appearance. I began to love myself for who I am, rather than what I thought others had perceived me as. I finally realized that appearances aren't what solely make a person for who they are. My time abroad, definitely raised my self-love and confidence.

Major:

Russian Language and International Studies

Program:

USA in Russia; Summer 2017
USA International Studies in Eastern Europe; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Some of my best memories studying abroad is just me appreciating the little things. I’ll always look back with nostalgic lenses when I think of the times I walked around the night lit city of Moscow in Russia while talking the night away with a close friend I had made on the journey.

Major:

Russian Language and International Studies

Program:

USA in Russia; Summer 2017
USA International Studies in Eastern Europe; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Some of my best memories studying abroad is just me appreciating the little things. I’ll always look back with nostalgic lenses when I think of the times I walked around the night lit city of Moscow in Russia while talking the night away with a close friend I had made on the journey.

Major:

Hospitality/Tourism Management

Program:

USA Hospitality, Culture, and Cuisine in Italy

Most Memorable Experience:

The most memorable experience I had was going to a fancy, amazing Italian restaurant and then meeting the chef after!

Major:

Hospitality/Tourism Management

Program:

USA Hospitality, Culture, and Cuisine in Italy

Most Memorable Experience:

The most memorable experience I had was going to a fancy, amazing Italian restaurant and then meeting the chef after!

Major:

Spanish

Program:

USA Spanish Language & Culture in Spain (Alcalá de Henares); Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad was spending my 22nd birthday at an annual fair in a town called Torrejón de Ardoz. I rode the most terrifying ride in the park, went to an open-air music festival, and watched the fireworks at midnight with my fellow jags and international friends alike.

Major:

Spanish

Program:

USA Spanish Language & Culture in Spain (Alcalá de Henares); Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad was spending my 22nd birthday at an annual fair in a town called Torrejón de Ardoz. I rode the most terrifying ride in the park, went to an open-air music festival, and watched the fireworks at midnight with my fellow jags and international friends alike.

Major:

Biology

Program:

USA Visual Arts in the Netherlands; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad would definitely be getting to see works of art from artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and even Andy Warhol up close and personal. To be given the chance to view paintings from such prestigious artists was so surreal. It’s something I’ll never forget!

Major:

Biology

Program:

USA Visual Arts in the Netherlands; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad would definitely be getting to see works of art from artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and even Andy Warhol up close and personal. To be given the chance to view paintings from such prestigious artists was so surreal. It’s something I’ll never forget!

Major:

International Studies

Program:

USA International Studies in Eastern Europe

Most Memorable Experience:

I decided to study abroad this past summer in Eastern Europe with Dr. Gossett, and it was truly a life changing experience. We traveled to Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine in just 16 days! The main focus for this program was to study revolutions and national identity in Eastern Europe, which I have never studied before. We went on countless amounts of tours in each city and walked about 12 miles every day! One of my favorite memories from this trip would be all the group lunch and dinners we went to. Our professor would plan a group dinner or lunch in every city and order various authentic food for us to try, and I had a blast! Not only did I gain new experiences, I made some lifelong friends. I discovered myself on this trip and if I could, I would do it all over again!

Major:

International Studies

Program:

USA International Studies in Eastern Europe

Most Memorable Experience:

I decided to study abroad this past summer in Eastern Europe with Dr. Gossett, and it was truly a life changing experience. We traveled to Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine in just 16 days! The main focus for this program was to study revolutions and national identity in Eastern Europe, which I have never studied before. We went on countless amounts of tours in each city and walked about 12 miles every day! One of my favorite memories from this trip would be all the group lunch and dinners we went to. Our professor would plan a group dinner or lunch in every city and order various authentic food for us to try, and I had a blast! Not only did I gain new experiences, I made some lifelong friends. I discovered myself on this trip and if I could, I would do it all over again!

Major:

Nursing

Program:

USA Culture & Healthcare in Ireland (Dublin); Summer 2017
USA Spanish language & Culture in Spain (Al calá de Henares); Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

I had so many memorable moments from study abroad it’s hard to pick just one. In Ireland I remember hiking in the mountains and being surrounded by gorgeous green hills that were dusted with flowers of every color of the rainbow. I remember how care free I felt there. In Spain I spent multiple days at an annual festival in the town of Torrejon. The festival was so big and amazing you couldn't help not feel like a kid again. I love the feeling of being excited and awestruck all at once.

Major:

Nursing

Program:

USA Culture & Healthcare in Ireland (Dublin); Summer 2017
USA Spanish language & Culture in Spain (Al calá de Henares); Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

I had so many memorable moments from study abroad it’s hard to pick just one. In Ireland I remember hiking in the mountains and being surrounded by gorgeous green hills that were dusted with flowers of every color of the rainbow. I remember how care free I felt there. In Spain I spent multiple days at an annual festival in the town of Torrejon. The festival was so big and amazing you couldn't help not feel like a kid again. I love the feeling of being excited and awestruck all at once.

Major:

Social Work

Program:

CISabroad Intern in South Africa; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Most Memorable Experience: My most memorable experience while in South Africa was a hike to Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa. During the hike we sat on jagged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was the most beautiful, peaceful, and chaotic view I've ever seen. One slip of the foot and you could fall into the rushing waters below. It was such an exhilarating, breathtaking experience.

Major:

Social Work

Program:

CISabroad Intern in South Africa; Summer 2018

Most Memorable Experience:

Most Memorable Experience: My most memorable experience while in South Africa was a hike to Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa. During the hike we sat on jagged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was the most beautiful, peaceful, and chaotic view I've ever seen. One slip of the foot and you could fall into the rushing waters below. It was such an exhilarating, breathtaking experience.